New Jersey Chamber of Commerce

216 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608 | 609-989-7888
2016-02-19
Opportunity New Jersey

The coalition members who sponsored the New Jersey Business Summit in September announced today the formation of a grassroots organization called Opportunity New Jersey whose mission is to increase awareness of the impact that policies and legislative action will have on the state's economy and job growth for New Jersey citizens.

Opportunity New Jersey will use grassroots outreach to inform policymakers and the public about how proposals out of Trenton will impact the state economy. The 501(c)(4) organization will raise the donations from individuals, businesses and organizations.

"We have invited state leaders to meet with the business community and to consider us as an asset in creating economic growth programs," said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. "Opportunity New Jersey will give us a wider platform to make sure that concerns about job growth are part of the discussion about addressing New Jersey's economic challenges."

"This is about New Jersey's economic future and its impact on all New Jerseyans," said Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. "This coalition affords grassroots groups and individuals the ability at the local level to have a voice in the process."

The coalition's most immediate agenda involves opposing three economically-damaging initiatives that have recently been proposed. They are increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour; constitutionally requiring quarterly public pension payments; and mandating paid sick leave.

Coalition members say these proposals would have a negative impact on New Jersey's competitiveness and a chilling effect on both job creation and private-sector investment in the state economy.

The coalition's longer-term agenda includes reforming the state's tax structure; funding long term investments in infrastructure beginning with transportation and then more holistically to the state's other infrastructure assets; reducing government regulations and mandates; and maintaining the state's highly trained workforce.

The coalition is comprised of business organizations, trade associations, labor groups, educational institutions, not-for-profits and individual companies throughout the state of New Jersey. The leadership group is the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, the New Jersey Society of CPAs, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce, and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

 

Opportunity NJ
Follow us on Twitter at @opportunitynj, and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OpportunityNJ.

For photos from the event, click here
To watch event video, click here 

 


About the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization that represents its members on a wide range of business and education issues. Based in Trenton, the organization also links the state's local and regional chambers on issues of importance through its grassroots legislative network. 

NJCC 2022 Biz Summit WEB
March 14-15, 2023 | Harrah's Atlantic City

Media Contacts

Scott Goldstein
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
scott@njchamber.com
609-989-7888 x113
Cell: 609-220-0836


 Kevin Friedlander
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
kevin.friedlander@njchamber.com
Cell: 732-266-3885

2023 NJ Chamber Events

Mar 2

NJCC Small Business Series
Recruiting and Keeping Talent During Challenging Times

Where: Virtual Event
When: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Free to participate


Mar 14-15

ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo 2023
Where: Harrah's Atlantic City


Apr 26

Evening Networking Mixer

Where: ShoreTown Ballpark, Lakewood 
When: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.


Upcoming Events

Apr 12

NJCC Business Roundtable Series
Breakfast with Assemblywomen Muñoz & Swain

Where: TBD
When: noon – 2:30 p.m.


May 10

NJCC Business Roundtable Series
Lunch with State Senators Sarlo & Oroho

Where: Hilton Garden Inn Hamilton
When: noon – 2:30 p.m.


May 15

NJ Chamber Challenge Cup Golf Tournament

Where: Bedens Brook Club, Skillman
When: Registration opens at 10 a.m.


June 8

26th Annual NJ Chamber Open House and Reception

Where: The New Jersey State Museum, Trenton
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.


Dec 7

Annual Member Holiday Party

Where: Calandra's Italian Village, Caldwell
When: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.


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